Middle Eastern Region - UN Investigates Alleged War Crimes during Hostage Rescue Mission
The United Nations Human Rights Office expresses concern over potential war crimes committed during Israel's attempt to free four hostages in Gaza, due to a high number of Palestinian casualties.
The Geneva-based office expressed its shock regarding the consequences of the Israeli military's operation in the Nuseirat area on the civilian population. Experts question whether international humanitarian law was followed. "It was disastrous how this operation unfolded, as civilians were directly involved," stated the Human Rights Office's spokesperson, Jeremy Laurence.
Possibility of war crimes by Palestinians
There could also be war crimes committed by the Palestinians during this event. This includes kidnapping hostages in densely populated areas, which perilously endangers both the hostages and Palestinian civilians. Only courts can make a final decision on these alleged war crimes, according to Laurence.
One of the hostages revealed she had experienced multiple relocations during her 240-day captivity and was residing with a family when she was freed. This breaches international humanitarian law, said Laurence, but these principles need to be considered in rescue operations.
4 Israeli hostages held in Gaza were released following a terrorist attack, which occurred on October 7, 2023. According to reports, over 270 people were killed, as per the Gaza Strip's health authorities controlled by Hamas. There was suspicion that Israeli soldiers concealed themselves within a relief goods truck while conducting the rescue; however, the spokesperson declined to comment as the office had no first-hand knowledge.
Essential principles in international humanitarian law
The focus lies on three principles required by international humanitarian law during armed conflicts:
- The distinction principle: parties involved in the conflict should perpetually differentiate between the civilian population and civilian assets, as well as military and military facilities.
- The necessity principle: any collateral damage, such as civilian casualties or devastation to civilian infrastructure, should be proportional to the military advantage obtained.
- The proportionality principle: damages ought to be minimized as much as feasible.
